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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : thedispatch.com
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Politics and Government
Source : (remove) : thedispatch.com
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A 24s Middling Foray Into Politics

Eddington: A24's Dive into Politics, COVID, and American Polarization

In a thought-provoking piece published by The Dispatch, the article delves into the upcoming A24 film "Eddington," directed by Ari Aster, exploring how it intersects with contemporary American politics, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the deepening societal polarization that has defined the nation's recent history. The film, described as a dark comedy-horror hybrid, serves as a lens through which the author examines broader cultural and political tensions, positioning it as a timely commentary on a fractured America. Aster, known for his unsettling works like "Hereditary" and "Midsommar," brings his signature style to this narrative, blending existential dread with satirical elements that critique the absurdities of modern life.

The article begins by setting the stage with the film's premise, which revolves around a small, isolated town in the American Southwest during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. The story follows a group of characters—including a sheriff, a scientist, and various townsfolk—who grapple with quarantine measures, conspiracy theories, and interpersonal conflicts that escalate into chaos. Drawing parallels to real-world events, the author notes how "Eddington" mirrors the paranoia and division that erupted during the pandemic, from mask mandates to vaccine debates. The film's title character, played by a high-profile actor, embodies a charismatic yet enigmatic figure who arrives in town, stirring up existing tensions and exposing the underbelly of American exceptionalism gone awry.

A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the political undertones woven into the script. The author argues that "Eddington" doesn't shy away from portraying the partisan rifts that intensified during COVID, with characters representing archetypes from both sides of the aisle: the libertarian skeptic distrustful of government overreach, the progressive advocate for collective safety, and the opportunistic politician exploiting fear for personal gain. This setup, the piece suggests, is Aster's way of satirizing the politicization of public health, where science became a battleground for ideological wars. The film incorporates elements like fake news broadcasts and social media frenzy, highlighting how misinformation fueled polarization. The author draws connections to historical events, such as the January 6 Capitol riot and the Black Lives Matter protests, positing that the pandemic acted as an accelerant for pre-existing divisions, much like the isolated town's descent into madness in the movie.

Delving deeper into the COVID angle, the article reflects on how the pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in American society, from economic disparities to mental health crises. "Eddington" captures this through its horror elements—think supernatural occurrences that metaphorically represent the "invisible enemy" of the virus—while also critiquing the isolation and loneliness that lockdowns imposed. The author praises Aster for avoiding heavy-handed moralizing, instead using humor to underscore the absurdity of conspiracy theories, such as QAnon-like beliefs that infiltrate the town's discourse. This approach, the piece contends, makes the film more accessible and reflective of real-life absurdities, like the debates over hydroxychloroquine or the "plandemic" narratives that proliferated online.

Polarization emerges as the article's central theme, with the author arguing that "Eddington" illustrates how shared crises, rather than uniting people, often amplify differences. The film's narrative arc shows characters forming factions, leading to violent confrontations that echo the tribalism seen in U.S. politics today. References are made to broader cultural phenomena, such as the rise of echo chambers on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, which the movie parodies through in-film social media montages. The author extends this to discuss how A24, as a studio, has positioned itself at the forefront of politically charged indie cinema, with films like "Civil War" also tackling division, but "Eddington" stands out for its pandemic-specific focus.

The piece doesn't limit itself to the film alone; it expands into a broader commentary on American culture post-2020. The author reflects on how COVID reshaped daily life, from remote work to strained family dynamics, and how these changes have lingered, contributing to ongoing polarization. For instance, the debate over school reopenings and remote learning is analogized to the film's depiction of a quarantined community school descending into anarchy. Economically, the article touches on how the pandemic exacerbated inequality, with the town's wealthy elite hoarding resources while the working class suffers—a nod to real-world wealth gaps widened by stimulus checks and corporate bailouts.

Critically, the author evaluates Aster's directorial choices, noting how his use of long takes and eerie sound design heightens the sense of unease, making the political satire feel viscerally real. The ensemble cast, including stars like Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone, brings depth to these polarized characters, humanizing them even as their flaws drive the plot toward catastrophe. However, the article isn't entirely laudatory; it questions whether "Eddington" risks alienating audiences by leaning too heavily into horror tropes, potentially overshadowing its political message. The author suggests that in a polarized era, such films might preach to the choir rather than bridge divides, yet commends it for prompting uncomfortable self-reflection.

Looking ahead, the piece speculates on the film's potential impact upon release, especially in an election year where COVID fatigue and political exhaustion remain palpable. It draws parallels to other media, like the TV series "The Last of Us," which also used a pandemic backdrop to explore human nature, but argues "Eddington" is more overtly satirical and less escapist. The author concludes by pondering whether art like this can heal societal rifts or merely document them, ultimately viewing "Eddington" as a mirror to America's soul—flawed, divided, but resilient in its absurdity.

Throughout, the article weaves in historical context, referencing past pandemics like the 1918 flu and how they influenced politics, to underscore that COVID's polarizing effects are not unprecedented but amplified by modern technology and media. It also touches on global comparisons, noting how other countries managed the crisis with less division, attributing America's unique strife to its individualistic ethos. In essence, the piece positions "Eddington" as more than entertainment; it's a cultural artifact that captures the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with its demons, urging viewers to confront the polarization that threatens to unravel the social fabric. By blending film analysis with sociopolitical insight, the article offers a comprehensive exploration of how cinema can illuminate the chaos of our times, encouraging a reevaluation of unity in the face of adversity. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full thedispatch.com Article at:
[ https://thedispatch.com/article/eddington-a24-politics-covid-polarization/ ]